MELATONIN : IMPORTANT FACTS

Melatonin: important facts

1️⃣ Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland located in the center of the brain.  This hormone favors the onset of sleep, in fact it can be considered an endogenous sleeping pill.

 2️⃣ It is curious that in children the concentration of melatonin is several times higher than in the elderly.  The explanation is simple: over the years, the body's ability to produce melatonin decreases, which is why babies sleep soundly and for a long time, and older people often have problems sleeping.

 3️⃣ However, melatonin is not only a “sleep hormone”, it is also a powerful antioxidant, affects the hormonal and immune systems, eliminates depression, anxiety, stops age-related bone loss, significantly slows down aging and even prevents cancer.  More details at this link.

 4️⃣ The production of melatonin begins at 21:00 - 22:00, provided it is completely dark.  After 22 hours, when its level is high enough, the most successful conditions for falling asleep are created.  Remember: relentless disruption of the circadian rhythm is not without consequences.  They lead to disorder at the cellular level, upset the work of all systems, primarily the immune system.

 5️⃣ The level of melatonin production by the pineal gland is affected by many factors.  For example, a large amount of sugar in the diet, a lack of foods rich in tryptophan adversely affect the production of the hormone.  Medications can also reduce or suppress the activity of the pineal gland and its production of melatonin.

 💊 The dosage of melatonin for each is calculated individually. You can start taking 0.5 mg - for most this will be enough.  If there is no effect, you can gently increase.  After 45 years, with oncology, melatonin can be taken on an ongoing basis - 1-5 mg.

 ❌ Melatonin should not be given to children! Uncontrolled and prolonged use can affect the production of sex hormones, which should begin in a child during puberty.